MINI’s 2011 Refresh to Improve Handling?
Over the last year we’ve detailed all the changes we will see for the 2011 refresh of the R55, R5 and R57 MINIs. New engines, revised transmissions, new colors (inside and out), new technology and now comes word of some revisions to improve handling feel. We don’t know much but what we do know is that (according to sources) MINI will be tweaking the electric power steering to produce a better more consistent feel.
As we’ve reported in our initial reviews of the R56, the steering (while good) lost around 10-15% of the feel that it had with the previous generation car. Getting that back would go a long way in cementing the MINI as the best handling small hatchback on the market.
Can MINI do this through electronics? While not easy we know it’s possible. Exhibit A is the new Z4 35is (reviewed on BimmerFile here) which had its electric steering tweaked to great effect.
<p>Shoot, they could do tons by just putting in a tad more negative camber up front!</p>
<p>Matt</p>
<p>I’ll definitely be curious to check it out once they tweak it. That “10-15%” lost in the 2nd Gen is the #1 reason I still prefer the 1st Gens (there are other reasons, but that is by far the most significant).</p>
<p>The Life Cycle Improvement of the MINI will provide a very good advantage in light of the latest MINI immitation the VW Polo in a Tracksuit- The Audi A1.</p>
<p>Not entirely the next best thing as witnessed on a half-pipe something MINI done well , hell even MINI was driving on two wheels. The good thing about this site is we looked at the report which showcased the MINI v’s A1 so it was one idea that took us out of the comfort level and take MINI right to the Audi especially in marketing – That Audi campaign with Justin Timberlake is plainly awful , meaningless(so far) , illconceived, badly acted with a terrible script.
At least you can rely on MINI for some creativity to which we have.
We aim to show the next best thing is just an immitation of the current big thing. MINI Life cycle Impulse is more wide spread than a typical refresh.</p>
<p>Some styling changes make the car look smoother , The interior has had some changes , there is new colours for both exterior and interior with new trims , new wheel options as well as the MINI-Lites seen above there will be a few more options to suit.</p>
<p>Some additional tweaks aims to perfect the MINI’s perfect handling and steering and new updated engines will bring the MINI back to the forefront of efficiency and power.</p>
<p>Ahead of this is of course the MINI Countryman Which could be the Next big thing! Currently just over 50% of european production is so far accounted for ahead of the September launch, The model in demand being the MINI Cooper D Countryman.</p>
<p>if mini is going to tweak the software to provide better handling performance, will this be applicable as an update to the current masses of gen II on the road? handled along the lines of a technical bulletin that can be addressed as the cars come in for annual inspections / services…?</p>
<p>Very well a worthwhile endeavor, while I will always prefer mechanical systems I would just be happy with a good upgrade to the steering feel.</p>
<p>Good news all around Gabe and Herr26. Glad to see MINI working on getting its mojo back.</p>
<p>I’m guessing if it is an electronic fix, those of us with previous MY 2nd Gens will not get it. I’d love to have it though, it feels way too lose w/o sport mode.</p>
<p>But is there really a point to increasing steering feel when you can just hit the sport button? Is this an additional increase?</p>
<p>I’d rather see more camber and a mild drop. Maybe some heavier sway bars for less body roll.</p>
<blockquote> That “10-15%†lost in the 2nd Gen is the #1 reason I still prefer the 1st Gens</blockquote>
<p>Totally agree, Hamish. But imo that 10-15% loss is 90% about the ratio. Specifically, the fact that it went up in the R56 to a pretty average-feeling 14.1:1. If they can bring it back down to the R50/53’s 13.2:1 <i>and</i> add some more weight, I could be convinced to take another look.</p>
<p><b>Herr26</b>, please talk to us about the JCW Life Cycle Impulse. Because Gabe won’t…</p>
<blockquote>
<p><i>and</i> add some more weight, I could be convinced to take another look.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>With the sport button on the 2nd gen cars actually have more steering weight. The issue comes down to feel.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Herr26, please talk to us about the JCW Life Cycle Impulse. Because Gabe won’t…</p>
</blockquote>
<p>did you not see the article from last week? It’s still on the main page even.</p>
<p>Still really finding myself a bit down that the center stack didn’t get more love. I appreciate why they are doing the refresh they are.</p>
<p>Herr26 – “Some additional tweaks aims to perfect the MINI’s perfect handling and steering and new updated engines will bring the MINI back to the forefront of efficiency and power.”</p>
<p>Efficiency is quite impressive and the power gain should be good. I think the move on the Cooper and Cooper S are both good, though I do wonder if the lack of making more significant changes to the interior are going to do much to change the often lampooned center stack? Now only if they could get the JCW back to the forefront of handling and power.</p>
<blockquote>did you not see the article from last week?</blockquote>
<p>I did. I guess I just can’t believe that is all MINI is planning for the R56 JCW. There has to be something more coming. Maybe 2012?</p>
<p>For the standard JCW model no. However there is something else coming…</p>
<blockquote>However there is something else coming…</blockquote>
<p>Oh yeah. That’s what I’m talking about! I knew you were holding out on us. GP v2.0? And. MINI, if this thing doesn’t have rear seats, it better bloody h3ll have an engine back there!</p>
<p>+1 for what Matt Richter said. How about factory stock adjustable camber plates?</p>
<p>+1 for what “thatguy” said. Definitely go back to the old, quicker, 13.2:1 ratio.</p>
<p>While we are at it. How about some nice 16″x7.5″ or 16″x8″ light weight wheels, say 15 or 16 lbs.</p>
<p>Hoping for a ///Mini Gabe lol, got my hope up that MINI isn’t ignoring its performance oriented fans. I do fear though its a performance R60 which would be sad to see MINI driving a stake into the heart of the JCW R56.</p>
<p>Steering feel is why I dumped my 2007 stage one JCW and got a JCW R53 cabrio. Missed the go cart feel of my 2005.</p>
<p>This would be cool if it works.</p>
<p>“However there is something else coming…”</p>
<p>Probably the Coupe and Roadster will be more perf oriented.</p>
<p>Gabe, ok I’ll bite, what is this something else coming, other than the coupe/roadster? I, just don’t see anthing worthwhile in the 2011 JCW, like Mini is giving up on it. While the JCW isn’t as bad as many here say it is, it still needs something, both in suspension and a little different look. So they won’t give us the JCW Aero kit, so why not something that is just special for the JCW in appearance, as well as the improvements that they are making to the Mini S. Put a cat back 3″ exhaust and a DoS CIA and you’re pretty much caught up with the JCW in power, do a Tune and you’ve pased it in power. So, why not give us some unleashed power, it’s there? And for the torque steer problem, the JCW or equivilent suspension would cure that one too. Gabe, what’s the something else?</p>
<p>I am not saying the JCW is a worthless car, its gets a lot of things right but is pretty much agree from most people to be short of what it should be. Also with more of MINI’s direct competition coming to the states from a market where the JCW is actually quite a bit short being on an even keel I personally think that not addressing it is a huge missed opportunity.</p>
<p>Its true that somebody buying one though will have a car that is a blast but many people anxiously wait for something much more interesting from MINI.</p>
<p>I would love to see the R59 being tuned into a GP mk 2 for sure.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Gabe, ok I’ll bite, what is this something else coming, other than the coupe/roadster? I, just don’t see anthing worthwhile in the 2011 JCW, like Mini is giving up on it.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>It won’t be in 2011.</p>
<p>Electronic Power Assist steering is here to stay. Engine driven pumps sap too much power and effect emissions. We all will have to get used to it. Let’s just hope that the programming gets better and better.</p>
<p>Matt</p>
<p>AWD JCW R59 in 2012?</p>
<p>(I’d still probably for the Golf R and a back seat…)</p>
<blockquote>Let’s just hope that the programming gets better and better</blockquote>
<p>While the R56 definitely missed the mark, I think the programming on the R50/53 assist is pretty freaking amazing. Drive one back to back with a non-assisted RWD car like the Elise and it stands up very well imo.</p>
<p>I HATE electric steering, in every application of it I’ve driven. It’s easily the most disappointing “feature” of my ’10 MCS. Hell, give me a freakin’ manual rack for that matter – this car does not need power steering!</p>